What Happens When You Stop Taking Birth Control: 6 Changes You Should Expect

It’s common for many people to stop using birth control at some point—whether due to personal preference, side effects, or the desire to become pregnant. However, stopping hormonal contraception can trigger a few physical and emotional changes as your body readjusts to its natural cycle.

While most side effects are temporary, it’s helpful to know what to expect so you can manage them confidently. This guide explains the six most common changes after quitting birth control, plus practical tips on managing withdrawal symptoms, when to see a doctor, and how to transition safely.

Common Side Effects Of Stopping Birth Control

When you stop taking hormonal birth control—whether it’s the pill, patch, ring, or injection—your body begins producing its own estrogen and progesterone again. These hormonal shifts can cause temporary side effects as your reproductive system rebalances.

1. Migraine Or Headaches

Some people experience migraine headaches when they stop taking combination birth control pills. This happens due to estrogen withdrawal, especially if your body was used to steady hormone levels from the pill.

You may notice headaches returning right before your period or at other times in your cycle. These migraines are usually short-term and lessen as hormone levels stabilize.

If you had migraines before starting birth control, there’s a higher chance they’ll recur after stopping it. Staying hydrated, reducing stress, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help minimize these symptoms.

2. Changes In Your Period

Your menstrual cycle may fluctuate for several months after discontinuing birth control. You might experience longer, heavier, or irregular periods, or even amenorrhea (temporary lack of a period).

This occurs because your body needs time to resume natural hormone production and ovulation patterns.

Some people also notice a return of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms—like cramps, mood swings, or bloating—that were previously suppressed by hormonal contraception.

Typically, your period will regulate itself within three to six months after stopping the pill. However, if you don’t have a period for more than six months, consult your healthcare provider.

3. Acne And Skin Changes

About 14% of people use birth control not only to prevent pregnancy but also to manage acne. Once you stop, the hormonal balance that kept your skin clear may shift, causing breakouts to return.

This is especially common for those who originally started the pill to treat hormonal acne. As estrogen levels drop and testosterone becomes relatively higher, your skin’s oil production can increase.

Most acne flares are temporary. Maintaining a good skincare routine—gentle cleansing, oil-free moisturizers, and avoiding picking—can help your skin rebalance naturally.

4. Increase In Sex Drive

Some birth control methods, particularly those containing synthetic estrogen, can reduce libido by lowering testosterone and causing vaginal dryness. After stopping, many people experience a noticeable increase in sexual desire and improved natural lubrication.

Around 8% of women report quitting birth control due to sexual side effects. Once the hormones leave your system, your body’s natural chemistry often rebounds, restoring libido and comfort during intimacy.

If you notice discomfort or dryness persisting, consider using a water-based lubricant or talking to your provider about non-hormonal birth control options.

5. Hair Shedding Or Hair Loss

A small percentage of people experience temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium (TE), after stopping hormonal birth control. This occurs because hormonal shifts can push more hair follicles into a shedding phase.

The good news: this type of hair loss is temporary and usually stops within a few months.

If you already have a family history of alopecia or thinning hair, you may be slightly more prone to this reaction. Eating a nutrient-rich diet and avoiding harsh chemical treatments can support regrowth during the transition.

6. Return Of Fertility

Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping birth control—sometimes even before your next period. That means you could get pregnant sooner than expected.

For example:

• After stopping pills, ovulation can resume within weeks.

• After IUD removal, fertility often returns almost immediately.

• With Depo-Provera injections, ovulation may take up to 10 months to normalize.

If you don’t want to become pregnant, use another form of protection—such as condoms or spermicide—until you start a new contraceptive method.

How To Stop Taking Birth Control Safely

Depending on your birth control method, there are different ways to discontinue use. Here’s a general guide:

If you’re stopping birth control to conceive, track your ovulation using a basal body temperature chart, ovulation test strips, or fertility app to better understand your cycle.

Reasons You Might Choose To Stop Birth Control

There are many valid reasons for discontinuing birth control, such as:

• Planning to become pregnant

• Experiencing unwanted side effects (weight gain, mood changes, depression, irregular bleeding)

• Difficulty remembering daily pills or getting prescription refills

• Insurance or cost changes

• Shifts in daily routine or lifestyle

• Medical recommendations (e.g., migraines, hypertension, or clotting risks)

If you’re unsure whether to continue, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest alternatives like non-hormonal IUDs, condoms, or fertility tracking methods based on your goals and health needs.

How To Manage Side Effects Naturally

Withdrawal symptoms after quitting hormonal birth control are usually temporary. You can help your body rebalance by supporting hormone regulation and overall well-being:

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, and leafy greens.

• Get enough sleep to regulate cortisol and stress hormones.

• Manage stress with meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

• Exercise regularly to boost mood and circulation.

• Track your symptoms in a journal or app to share with your provider.

• Take OTC pain relievers if cramps or headaches become uncomfortable.

If symptoms persist longer than three months, your doctor may check your hormone levels or thyroid function.

When To See A Doctor

It’s always wise to talk to your doctor before stopping birth control, especially if you’ve been on it for years. They can guide you on safe discontinuation and what to expect.

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• No period (amenorrhea) for six months or longer

• Extremely painful periods

• Heavy or prolonged bleeding

• Psychological changes like depression, anxiety, or severe mood swings

• Persistent migraines

Consult your doctor before restarting birth control as well—your medical history, age, or new health conditions may affect which method is best for you now.

A Quick Recap

Stopping hormonal birth control is a personal decision, and most people experience temporary, manageable side effects like headaches, acne, or period changes.

Your body simply needs time to restore its natural rhythm. Pay attention to your symptoms, take care of your physical and emotional health, and consult your provider if anything feels unusual or prolonged.

Whether your goal is to start a family or to find a more suitable contraceptive, knowing what to expect ensures a smooth, confident transition.